Cornelius Tacitus

Paper Summary:

This paper gives a brief introduction to Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian whose work is dated from the early second century. It examines his background and the prime reasons for his obscure and biased work. It focuses on the political structure of Rome during the 1st century and gives an account of Augustus, Tiberius and the treatment of the senators and the commoners during their reign. It looks at how political power was handed from one ruler to another and also highlights Tacitus personal statements and thoughts about the rulers and the existing political system during that time.

From the Paper:

"Octavian abdicated his title of Triumvir and wanted to be in the consul. He proclaimed the powers of a tribune to be good enough for him. Octavian captivated the army with bonuses. He entranced the civilians with his cheap food policies. He also captured the good will of the majority by the enjoyable presents of peace. Not satisfied, he further moved ahead with the intention of enthralling the functions of the senate, the officials and the law. Since opposition no longer existed and the war and magisterial murders got rid of all men of spirit, Octavian went well ahead with his plans. People belonging to the upper class that had lucre from the revolution, saw the slavish disobedience as the only way of withstanding both politically and financially."

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